Belgium vs England - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

Published on: 13/07/2018

Belgium vs England - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

July 14, 2018 15:00pm - St Petersburg Stadium

World Cup Russia 2018 - Third place play-off

One of the least-anticipated games in competitive international football will take place on Saturday afternoon as Belgium face England in the World Cup third place playoff in Saint Petersburg.

While both squads would rather make their way home after missing out on a place in the final, there is a bronze medal to be decided. Third spot on the podium will provide little consolation but the game at least gives the teams another chance to continue the development process under their respective coaches.

Belgium fell 1-0 to France on Tuesday after enjoying a strong tournament in which they knocked out favourites Brazil. Roberto Martinezs men could not break down the French defensive line-up and seemed to run out of ideas in the latter stages. Star man Kevin De Bruyne was switched back to a deeper role and looked well below his best while striker Romelu Lukaku grew frustrated at the lack of service.

The Red Devils have already beaten England once in this competition and will look complete the double. However, a weakened team can be expected.

Meanwhile, England may also choose to make changes as they look to bounce back from their crushing 2-1 defeat to Croatia. Gareth Southgate`s men were just 20 minutes away from making the final after Kieran Trippiers free-kick had given them an early lead when Croatia struck back through Ivan Perisic. This gave their opponents the confidence to go on and win the game in extra time and end Englands dream of bringing football home.

The third place match will give the Lions a chance to end their adventure on a positive note. And with the Golden Boot still up for grabs, Harry Kane may feature in a line-up that could see several changes. With little else at stake, we might witness an open and entertaining game, although it could have the feel of a friendly.

Belgium predicted starting XI:

Courtois, Alderweireld, Kompany, Vertonghen, Meunier, Chadli, Witsel, Fellaini, De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku.

England predicted starting XI:

Pickford, Jones, Stones, Maguire, Alexander-Arnold, Rose, Dier, Loftus-Cheek, Lingard, Rashford, Kane.

Recent Form (All comps)

Belgium: LWWWW

England: DWDLWW

Betting odds and tips

England will do all they can to ensure that Harry Kane hangs on to the Golden Boot. He has six goals and the only man who can realistically stop him is Belgium`s Romelu Lukaku who currently has four. Expect the England man to add to his tally in what should be an open and free flowing game.

You can back Harry Kane to score anytime at 10/11.

By Neil Morris